Jonathan, Amosun, friends, family, bid Olusola farewell

By DAUD OLATUNJI , Abeokuta
President Goodluck Jonathan was among the hundreds of prominent people that  showered encomiums  on  the former Ambassador of Nigeria to Ethiopia, Chief Segun Olusola, who was laid to rest yesterday, in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State.

Apart from President Jonathan who was represented by  Secretary General, National Summit Group, Tony Uranta,  others  in attendance at the farewell service held at the Wesley Methodist Cathedral church included, the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former  Minister of Sports, Chief Alex Akinyele, former World Court Judge, Prince Bola Ajibola and Chief Raymond Dokpesi.

Others included the Yeye Oge of Lagos, Chief (Mrs) Opral Benson, Sir Kessington Adebutu, Chief Tola Adeniyi, Ambassador Brownson Dede, Professor Johnson Ekpere, Chief Kayode Onafowokan and others.

Shortly before he was committed to mother earth, the Bishop of Remo Central, Methodist Church of Nigeria, The. Rt. Revd. Gboyega Ohu in his sermon  described the late Olusola as a trusted Nigerian, who used his resources to benefit the less privileged.

Bishop Ohu told the gathering that”many of us occupy exalted positions in our communities, but today our time has expired.
”Are you blessed with riches and wealth of this world? You must always remember that somebody gave you that ability which you shall return one day.

”A day of accountability is imminent.  Never think everything starts and ends with you. Death is a divine appointment.
”Olusola died at a time the unity of this country is being threatened. He was an African man that promotes African culture in its true sense. Refugees will never forget his noble contribution,” he added.

The Bishop berated the Nigerian political class for not considering the plights of the masses, urging the leaders to learn from the life of former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

He said that Mandela had millions of oppurtunities to enrich himself while in office but did not do so in the interest of the masses, saying that Nigerian leaders only have interest in what they could scoop  from the “ Nigerian goldmine.”

The President urged Nigerians to emulate his virtue , integrity and commitment to service.

Jonathan said, “Chief Olusola served with all of his heart and in everything that he did, he was a great man of integrity to the end of his life.”

Amosun described the late Olusola as an icon and an illustrious son of the state who would be greatly missed.

Meanwhile,there was a mild drama when one of the children of late Segun Olusola  at the burial church service of his father turned himself to a boxer,as he dealt punches on a photo journalist who came to cover the event.

The deceased’s  son  identified as Olujimi Olusola was sitting in front row of Wesley Methodist Church,Iperu town of Ogun State  where the service was ongoing alongside with the widow and state governor Ibikunle Amosun when he turned violent with the photo journalist.

The deceased son grouse against the hordes of photo journalists who were competing to take good shots was that they were blocking his view,and in a twinkle descended blows on the Punch photo journalist.